This photo was taken in the mid-1960s. These five Meinzen sibs had 10 other brothers and sisters. Of the 15, only six of them lived longer than their parents.

I had forgotten that three of these siblings died in the same year, just months apart. Grampa died in June, age 87; Lula in October, age 92; and Naomi in December, age 81. I never thought Grampa was particularly close to his sisters. The aunts all lived in Steubenville, Ohio; Grampa lived in Mineral Ridge, Ohio. Visits were infrequent, at least during the years I remember. But Grampa didn't share much about his childhood, his parents, or his feelings, so who knows.

I don't know the occasion for this photograph but it must have been a solemn event considering their serious expressions.

About Me

Sometimes I want to jump back in time, into the lives of my ancestors. Not to stay, of course -- too many modern conveniences I'd rather not do without -- but to meet them and watch their interactions with each other. Since I can't do that, I spend time learning about them and the times in which they lived. I look forward to meeting them. I've been seriously searching for my ancestors for nearly 8 years. I plan to continue indefinitely.
If you think we might have ancestors in common or you'd like to contact me for any other reason, please email me at myancestorsandme @ gmail.com.